Effects of SiC particles codeposition and ultrasound agitation on the electrocrystallisation of nickel-based composite coatings

Abstract This study analysed the influence of codeposition SiC particles with different sizes: 50 nm, 500 nm and 5 μm, type bath agitation (stirring or ultrasonic) on electrocrystallisation nickel coatings. The composites matrix microstructure was by means SEM, EBSD XRD, to evaluate grain size, crystal orientation, internal stresses benchmarked against pure samples electrodeposited in equivalent conditions. nano- microsize an approximate content 0.8 4 vol.%, respectively, caused only a minor refinement did not vary dominant < 100 > orientation observed Ni. stress was, however, increased codeposition, up 104 MPa nanoparticles 57 microparticles, compared values (41 MPa). higher rate (11 vol.%) obtained addition submicron-size change growth from columnar equiaxial, resulting deposits fully random pronounced refinement. also 800% nickel. ultrasound (US) during deposition selective particle inclusion prompting decrease larger particles. produced under US showed increase stresses, double stirring. microhardness, 280 HV Ni 560 Ni/SiC submicron-US, linked microstructural changes content. Graphical abstract